Great Glen Way - Invergarry Link

The Invergarry Link splits from the main Great Glen Way just above Laggan Locks and continues along the minor road and then forestry tracks to enable those walking the route to visit the services and accommodation at Invergarry. It rejoins the main route beyond Loch Oich for the canalside walk to Fort Augustus.

Terrain

Minor road, then forestry tracks with some ascent and descent.

Public Transport

None to start. Invergarry is served by Citylink buses from Fort William and Glasgow; Fort Augustus has regular bus services along the Great Glen.

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The Invergarry link splits from the main Great Glen Way route on the Kilfinnan minor road, west of Laggan locks; instead of turning right to head to the locks, simply continue along northeast along the minor road until it meets the main A82 at the houses north of Laggan swing bridge, 3km further on. Continue briefly left along the main road before turning left onto the next track into the forest.

Stage 2

The track climbs slowly through the forest plantations. After 1.5km ignore a track joining in from the right, continuing ahead to the high point of this section of trail, offering a fine view over Loch Oich with Loch Ness visible beyond. Ignore tracks off to the left and right on the steady descent to the minor road at Mandally. Turn right along this road, passing the Saddle Mountain hostel.

Stage 3

When the main A82 is reached turn left along it, eventually crossing the bridge over the River Garry. Just beyond this turn left into Invergarry village. Pass the hotel and then some new houses, then turn right immediately beyond these onto a footpath up by the phone box. This climbs up to meet a track near a turning area; turn right along the track. Keep right when a fork is reached. The track comes close to the A82 at one point before the route bears left onto a bike track that heads a little higher once more.

Stage 4

Eventually the track slopes down towards the east end of Loch Oich; fork left before reaching the A82 to remain on the path above it until the track heading off north of Oich Bridge. Follow the A82 across the modern Oich Bridge, with views to the beautiful double-cantilevered original bridge that was built by James Drudge in 1854. Continue over the canal and then turn left, rejoining the main Great Glen Way on the south side of the canal and passing the Bridge House tea garden.

Stage 5

Follow the towpath before crossing to the north side at Cullochy loch. The way now continues on the towpath on the far side of the canal. There is beautiful woodland beside the canal and a steady stream of pleasure boats on the water and cyclists on the track. Down to the left there are occasional glimpses of the River Oich, cutting into the cliffs of Creag Torr Dhuinn at one point. After almost another three kilometres Kytra Lock is reached. This is another beautiful spot with a pretty lock-keepers cottage and a bench for walkers to enjoy the views.

Stage 6

Beyond Kytra the canal broadens out through a series of wider pools and appears quite natural. Another three kilometres leads on to the first of the locks at Fort Augustus. This large village is centred on a high flight of locks second only to Neptune's Staircase. It has all shops and facilities and a good choice of accommodation options. At the foot of the locks the canal exits into the waters of mighty Loch Ness.